Defenses rule spring for Akron and Kent State football

View full sizeAkron football coach Terry Bowden is going through his second spring with the Zips.Paul Tople, Akron Beach Journal

Spring football practice is in full swing at both Akron and Kent State, with predictable performances, meaning the defenses are well ahead of the offenses.

"You see it every spring," said Kent State safety Luke Wollet, who has taken full advantage with multiple interceptions in almost every practice. "It always takes a little longer for [the offense]."

What's the catch: At Akron, second-year head coach Terry Bowden said the struggles his offense is facing is a direct result of multiple injuries to his receiving corp. None appear in jeopardy of missing preseason camp in August, but Zach D'Orazio, Keith Sconiers, Tyler Williams, Imani Davis, Dee Frieson and others are seeing limited to no action now.

"Because of the injury situation at wide out, we are not making as much progress as we need to offensively," Bowden said after Saturday morning's practice. "Too many people injured to get better like we need to get."

Dukes up: Without the headliners on the flanks, the roster fillers got plenty of opportunity to rise and shine against the Zips' physical defense. Clearly overmatched, receiver Alex Mack decided to take out his frustrations on fellow reserve, cornerback Emmanuel Lartey as the two finished one play with sideline fisticuffs that nobody initially seemed interested in stopping.

"If you have a team that never fights, you don't have tough guys," Bowden said. "But now that they penalize it so much, or if you have the same guys do it over again, we've got to stop that. I don't mind a fight. But I do want it to stop when I start yelling. I don't mind a fight once in awhile."

The bright side: Akron's defense looks to be much improved and that seems to be generated by a big and physical group of linebackers.

"I really like the talent of our linebackers," Bowden said. "But they are young. But they are all led by Justin March [6-0, 226-pound junior]."

The Zips seem to have plenty of size at linebacker as well with 6-2, 225-pound redshirt freshman John Rachal also standing out.

"[Defensive coordinator Chuck Amato] really likes the way he is playing. He likes his size. He has good instincts and runs pretty good. We need a guy like that. We're real pleased with Rachal."

Archer returns: Kent catalyst Dri Archer is expected to see more time at wide receiver next season, as well as taking on punt-return duties. His receiving skills were displayed more and more as last season wore on, but his punt-return skills are still a mystery, and could remain so into August camp.

Kent held its kicking scrimmage Saturday, but going into it head coach Paul Haynes said he did not expect Archer to be featured in live action.

"He will probably only have one [live], and that's it," Haynes said. "The kick scrimmage in the fall and the kick scrimmage in the spring are different, just because of bodies. We won't go as long, and won't get crazy with it just because of our numbers."

Who is that? One player who stood out in Kent's practice Friday was receiver Evan Shimensky. The former quarterback from Kent Roosevelt High School certainly fits the KSU profile of diminutive receivers at 5-9 and 175 pounds, but he also is showing the ability to consistently catch the ball, on the run and in traffic.

"He's doing a good job," Haynes said. "I like his energy. He's picking up on it. He'll have a chance to get himself in the mix. He really will."

Line 'em up: Kent's search for offensive linemen to step in for projected NFL Draft picks Brian Winters and Josh Klein is ongoing. But it appears two players in particular are starting to stand out -- redshirt freshmen Reno Reda and Alex Nielsen.

"Reno [6-5, 250 pounds] is doing a good job," Haynes said. "I think he's a little heavier than that right now, and he's got the frame to put on even more. I'm pleased with him and Nielsen [6-4, 270 pounds]. Reno is an athletic kid. He's got long arms and a lot of range to him. He has all the tools. Nielsen is another kid I love. I love his toughness. Both of those young kids will be good for us, this year and down the road."

On the mend: Kent State has several football players sidelined, including offensive tackle Terrell Johnson and receiver Tyshon Goode. But the most significant injured player is defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix, who broke his hand early last week. Nix continues to dress in helmet and pads, but his hand is heavily bandaged and his availability is limited.

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